Russell Brand to host VMAs

MTV taps comic to host awards show

The comedian has enjoyed a high profile in the U.K. for several years, hosting MTV’s “One Leicester Square” and the Brit Awards, among numerous other gigs.

Crossover into the U.S. market has come swiftly for Brand. He had a notable supporting role in the Judd Apatow-produced, Nick Stoller-helmed “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and is getting set to transition that Brit-rocker character to leading-man status in the filmmakers’ upcoming “Get Him to the Greek” alongside Jonah Hill. He’ll also be seen in the upcoming Adam Sandler starrer “Bedtime Stories” for Disney.